The effect of listening to music and foot reflexology on nausea, pain and anxiety in children during perioperative period: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

AimThe purpose of this research was to examine the effects of listening to music and foot reflexology during the perioperative period on nausea, pain and anxiety in children aged 7–12 years. Material and methodThe sample for the randomized controlled experimental study included children who underwent outpatient surgery in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Research data were collected. A total of 99 children were included in the study with 33 in the music group, 33 in the foot reflexology group, and 33 in the control group. ResultsIn the preoperative and postoperative periods, Children's Perioperative Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (CPMAS) scores for the music listening and reflexology groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In the postoperative period, the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) scores for the reflexology and music listening groups after the application were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Postoperative Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scores were found to be significantly lower in children who listened to music compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores for children in the control group were found to be significantly higher in the postoperative period than for children in the music and reflexology groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionsAs a result, listening to music and reflexology during the perioperative period were effective in reducing anxiety, pain and nausea in children. Practice implicationsIn the perioperative period, listening to music and reflexology for children can be recommended as non-pharmacological nursing interventions with low cost and easy implementation.